dunno if this is a disease or not...

[starrlamia]

is it possible to have an iridescent betta except on the head? One of my CT came to me with less iridescence on his head and some red spots, I figured it was either his colouring or bad water conditions. But now that I have seen more iridescent bettas Im wondering if something else isnt going on. He has been with me a 6 weeks now, in a cycled tank, weekly water changes and careful monitoring of all of my water levels, everything is fine, heat is fine. However he seems to be slowly losing more iridescence. Now he has no iridescence on his entire head and behind his head. Could this be a normal colour changing?

My other CT in the tank (10g divided) is fine, no losing colours, no red spots etc. And the one losing his iridescence is eating, swimming and not showing any behavioural changes.

Thoughts and ideas?

[Sena Hansler]

Betta fish can have differing colors on themselves, irridescence and all. Some lose it, gain it, and some fluctuate their colors as well.

If there is no other nticeable changes, I wouldn't worry too much about it or medicate with anything. Can we have a picture however?

[Oldfishlady]

Its hard to say without more info and a pic....

Copy/paste/complete and add this sticky to your thread-the more detailed the better and a Pic...
http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=49233

[starrlamia]

Originally Posted by Sena Hansler

Betta fish can have differing colors on themselves, irridescence and all. Some lose it, gain it, and some fluctuate their colors as well.

If there is no other nticeable changes, I wouldn't worry too much about it or medicate with anything. Can we have a picture however?

thanks, that was my thoughts too.. I will try and get a decent pic later tonight when I get home from work.


Fish lady I didnt think it was neccessary but I will fill it in anyway

Housing
What size is your tank? 10g
What temperature is your tank? 80
Does your tank have a filter? yes
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? no
Is your tank heated? yes
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? none, but it is a divided 10.

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? flakes, as he refuses pellets
How often do you feed your betta fish? twice a day

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? once a week
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? about 25%
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? nutrafin betta plus

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters?

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 20ppm (did a water change today so it will most likely be a bit lower then that, as I tested it a few days ago)
pH:7
Hardness: unsure- but most likely on the higher end as we are known for hard tap water around here.
Alkalinity: unsure

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? - just the loss of iridescence
How has your betta fish's behavior changed?-no
When did you start noticing the symptoms?- noticed more loss today
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how? no
Does your fish have any history of being ill? no
How old is your fish (approximately)? unsure he is a petstore fish

He has no behavioural changes, no clamped fins, no fin rot, no spots aside from the red on his head (which are not bumpy and i think are just his colouring). He eats, he swims, he is curious and he flares. Normal little fishy for the most part.

[Bethydan]

My marble CT has a patch of iridescence on his forehead. Have yet to see it anywhere else on his body. He's been a perfectly happy and healthy pain in the butt for the two or so months I've had him.

[starrlamia]

thank you for sharing that :)

[starrlamia]

ok so i got two ok pics (out of like 30 he would not sit still lol)

the first is clearer:


the second shows more accurately the abruptness of the iridescent change


there is nothing that look like sores, he has red patches on his head but they are flat and look like weird colouring, the rest of his face just looks pale red.

[Sena Hansler]

Looks normal to me xD Like an odd ball betta who's purty :3

[starrlamia]

thanks, that is very reassuring, I thought it was probably nothing esp with the absence of other symptoms but figured I would let you gurus take a look. I really appreciate it :)

[Sena Hansler]

Well, you never know right? I got a few bettas who hide problems until the bitter end... And the bitter end is me trying to drag them back to their splendor!